Psychology condense 9 pg 57-63 Chapter on Conformity and Obedience

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Questions and Answers

Which of these factors makes someone more likely to obey an authority figure?

The victim's distance from the authority figure being greater.

The authority figure's lack of legitimacy or institutional authority.

A high level of physical proximity to the authority figure. (correct)

The presence of role models demonstrating defiance towards the authority figure.

In regards to conformity, what specifically does the "observed behavior" factor refer to?

The individual's own perception of their behavior in comparison to the group's.

The extent to which the individual is mimicking the behaviors of the group.

Whether the individual believes their behavior is noticed by the group. (correct)

The individual's ability to observe reactions of the group to their actions.

Which of the following scenarios would likely lead to the highest degree of conformity?

A large, unanimous group where the individual feels insecure and has no prior commitments. (correct)

A group with diverse opinions where the individual is highly confident and has strong prior commitments.

A small, cohesive group with a high-status leader, where members believe their behavior is not being observed.

A group where members are openly critical of each other and the individual is highly motivated to stand out.

What is the impact of a single non-conformist within a group on the overall level of conformity?

It can significantly reduce conformity, even if the non-conformist is ignored or disliked by the group. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the factors that influence obedience?

The legitimacy and institutional authority of the figure issuing orders are irrelevant to obedience. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between conformity and obedience?

Conformity involves changing one's beliefs to match a group, while obedience involves following orders from an authority figure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What factor influences both conformity and obedience?

The emotional state of the individual. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the bystander effect suggest about human behavior?

People are less likely to help when there are others present. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a person collapses in a small group, what is the most likely effect on the likelihood of help being provided compared to a large group?

The likelihood of help being provided will be higher in the small group. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the tendency to exert less effort when working on a task as part of a group?

Social loafing (B) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological concept explains why people in large groups are less likely to help someone in need?

Bystander effect (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the bystander effect?

Increased likelihood of help when in a large group. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant response, according to the social facilitation concept?

The response that is most likely to occur in a given situation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is likely to experience the bystander effect LEAST?

A group of friends studying for an exam. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of the social loafing effect?

Individual effort decreases when working on a group task. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of others affect performance on complex tasks, according to the social facilitation theory?

It hinders performance, making the task more difficult. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a formal norm?

Saying 'please' and 'thank you' (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which agent of socialization plays the most significant role in teaching us 'hidden curriculum'?

School (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sanction?

A teacher giving you a detention (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of socialization?

To help individuals understand and interact with others (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do peers influence individuals' socialization?

By influencing their taste in music, fashion, and other cultural aspects (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does mass media play a crucial role in socialization?

It shapes individuals' perceptions and understanding of the world (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way can family influence socialization differently based on socioeconomic status?

Wealthy families encourage questioning authority, while less wealthy families emphasize respect for authority (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST defines 'norms'?

Expectations for behavior within a particular group or culture (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of internalization in the context of conformity?

Integrating an idea or belief into one's own values. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is normative social influence primarily concerned with?

Gaining respect or support from peers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What motivated many participants in the Asch Conformity Studies to give incorrect answers?

True belief in the group's answer. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT associated with Solomon Asch's studies of conformity?

Participants were motivated by actual pressure to perform. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result observed in the Asch studies regarding participant responses?

75% of participants conformed at least once. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does informational social influence differ from normative social influence?

It leads to changing behavior due to a belief in others' knowledge. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What could explain why some participants in the Asch studies chose not to conform?

Confidence levels varied among individuals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the confederates in the Asch studies?

They acted in a coordinated manner to influence participants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies normative influence?

A new employee follows the company's dress code to avoid being reprimanded. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of groupthink?

Open and critical discussion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of conformity is characterized by outwardly changing behavior while maintaining internal beliefs?

Public conformity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Milgram experiment?

The willingness of participants to obey authority figures (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how conformity can have a 'dark side'?

Engaging in risky behaviors to fit in with a peer group. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern was raised about the Milgram experiment?

The participants were misled about the study's purpose (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is group polarization?

The tendency of group discussions to reinforce and amplify existing viewpoints. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of participants went all the way to the maximum shock level in the Milgram experiment?

65% (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of 'identification' as a type of conformity?

A teenager starts dressing like their favorite pop star. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons participants continued administering shocks, according to the study?

They were influenced by the experimenter's authority (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does 'anomie' relate to conformity and obedience?

Anomie weakens social bonds, making it less likely that individuals will conform or obey. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological phenomenon was observed in participants who justified their actions during the Milgram study?

Just world phenomenon (C) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the presence of an actor claiming a heart condition have on participants?

It did not affect the obedience rate significantly (C) Signup and view all the answers

What problem was highlighted regarding the sample used in the Milgram experiment?

It consisted of all male undergraduates (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a concern mentioned about the Milgram experiment?

Sample size (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

People act differently in groups than individually
Conformity: "peer pressure," tendency for people to align behavior with group norms.
Informative influence: looking to a group for guidance when unsure.
Normative influence: conforming to avoid social rejection, even if one knows the right action.
Public conformity: outwardly changing behavior to align with a group.
Private conformity: changing behaviors to align internally with a group.
Group interactions shape decision-making outcomes.

Group Polarization

Amplifies the initial opinions within a group.
All viewpoints aren't equally influential.
Arguments often favor the dominant view.
Criticism of minority viewpoints is common.
Confirmation bias: favoring information confirming existing beliefs.

Groupthink

Maintaining group harmony is prioritized over careful analysis.
Happens in cohesive, insulated groups with strong leaders.
Individuals suppress dissenting opinions to avoid conflict.

Conformity and Obedience

Related concepts but distinct.
Conformity is adjusting behavior to match a group.
Obedience is complying with an authority figure.
Both are helpful in society.
Anomie: breakdown of social bonds between individuals and community.

Asch Conformity Studies

Famous conformity experiments.
Solomon Asch believed understanding human behavior requires considering context.
Behavior changes in social settings and loses meaning when separated from that setting.
Example of conformity: The Holocaust.
Many Nazis claimed they were “just following orders.”

Milgram Experiment

Studies willingness to obey authority.
Average Americans obeyed authority figures conflicting with personal morals.
Deception used in study.
Subjects deceived into punishing another person by increasing shock levels.
65% of subjects complied fully with the experiment (despite subjects' protests).
Factors to consider to understand unethical behavior:
Passing responsibility/lack of awareness for the actions.
Self-serving bias (believing one would never act in the same way).
Fundamental attribution error (attributing behaviors to inherent character rather than broader influences).
Ethics of the experiment: Some unethical practices were present, highlighting the need for careful consideration of experimental design.

Zimbardo Prison Study

Stanford prison experiment.
Imitation of prison life to study conformity.
Participants were randomly assigned guards or prisoners.
Study had to be stopped early.
Participants got so involved in role-playing that it became negatively affecting their behavior.
The participants became complicit in the treatment of each other, de-individualization encouraged abusive behavior.
The guards easily became abusive, while the prisoners exhibited various reactions, including rebellion and emotional breakdown.

Bystander Effect

Individuals may feel less inclined to act when others are present, due to diffusion of responsibility.

Presence of others can affect behavior; dominant responses are more likely to occur.
When environment is supportive/conducive, behavior improves.
When environment is stressful, behavior can worsen.

Individuals may put forth less effort in group tasks when contributions are not evaluated.

Agents of Socialization

Family, schools, peers, mass media shape social behaviors/values.
Norms, folkways, mores & taboos shape expectations.
Formal and informal norms (written and unwritten) with varying sanctions.

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Description

Test your understanding of conformity and obedience in this psychology quiz. Explore factors influencing obedience, the bystander effect, and the dynamics of group behavior. Answer questions about key concepts that define how individuals act in response to authority and peer pressure.